Harry Potter and the Son of the Dragon Chapter 10: The Return to Hogwarts, a harry potter fanfic

Harry Potter and the Son of the Dragon: Chapter 10

I do not own Harry Potter. He and the world in which he lives are the property of J.K Rowling. I am a trespasser there for my own enjoyment and I hope for yours.

Neither do I claim to own all of the ideas I have used concerning Vampires and Werewolves in this story. They have been drawn from a number of sources. But I like to think I have merged them in my own way.

Warning story is Unbetaed, please take that into consideration when reading.

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There is darkness. There is evil. There is chaos.

They are not now, nor have they ever, truly been the same thing,

Chapter 9: The return to Hogwarts.

The grass was springy beneath his feet. Moist and laden with dew it seemed almost to resist his footsteps. The air was crisp and cool and it brought to his attention the smell of grass, of water and a faint odour of smoke. With his newfound senses he searched for the source of the smoke and found it in the small wooden hut that crouched on the edge of one of the borders of the forest, almost directly between him and the castle that was his destination.

Smiling Harry Potter adjusted his grip on his trunk and then started to drag it behind him as he began the long walk up towards the castle that he had come to consider his home. Hogwarts.

As Harry walked, the newly risen sun continued its ascension in the new day. As it rose the thick mists that had originally obscured his view of the castle, and continued to obscure most of his surroundings, started to fade under the heat and light. But for a few brief minutes before they did, the mists seemed to absorb and reflect the light, leaving Harry feeling like he was walking through clouds, walking through light. Like the castle itself was welcoming him home.

Harry's fanciful musings were interrupted a moment latter by a piercing shriek coming from Hagrid's cottage. The shriek was followed by the sound of a commotion, muffled yells and curses. Alarmed Harry drew out his wand abandoning his trunk as he picked up his pace towards the hut. A moment latter one of the wooden shutters on the cottages windows slammed open. Harry had time to hear Hagrid yell "There you crazy bird. It's open! Merlin knows what's gotten.." But before Hagrid could complete his sentence a white steak shot through the window like a thunderbolt. As soon as it left the window it turned until it was bearing right down on Harry. Instinctively Harry raised his wand, long months of training putting numerous offensive and defensive spells on the tips of his lips. But at the last moment, as the object was almost on top of him, he lowered his wand.

A moment later he felt a pair of talons dug into his shoulder in a grip that was bruisingly strong. He felt sharp pain as the talons bit almost deep enough to draw blood. At the same time his ear was under vicious attack by the beak of a very irritated but also very relieved owl. "Hedwig!"

Hedwig continued to peck at his ear while Harry lifted his hand to stroke her soft snowy white feathers. She only paused when Harry, after several long moments made to lift her from his shoulder, whereupon she let out an ear piercing SCREECH of indignation and snapped menacingly at his hand. Harry was left with no alternative but to leave her alone and endure her ministrations as the owl confirmed that Her wizard was back and that no harm had come to him.

Finally, after what seemed like minutes, Hedwig allowed herself to be picked up from Harry's shoulder, although she refused to be parted from him, keeping a firm grip on his hand.

She then turned her golden eyes to glare at him banefully.

Harry gulped as he looked at his owl. Somehow he could tell that the relief that she had felt at his presence was starting to fade now that she had assured herself that he was unharmed. And in its place anger was starting to rise. Anger that she had been separated from him for so long. Anger that she had not been able to find him. And anger that he had not come to her before now. Harry desperately tried to defuse the anger he could feel rising from his familiar.

"I'm sorry girl but I couldn't come to you or have you come to me before now. The vampire I was with wouldn't allow you or any other owl to come near where he was holding me. He didn't want to chance anyone being able to use you to locate me."

Here Harry had to stop as Hedwig let out another SCREECH of indignation.

"I know, I know." Said Harry soothingly as he stroked her head and tried to calm her down. "I know that you would never allow someone else to find me if I did not want to be found. But how was I supposed to convince the Vampire of that Hedwig? He didn't trust Me with our location, how was I supposed to get him to trust an owl?"

As soon as he finished speaking Hedwig's eyes seemed to narrow. She started into his eyes piercingly as if she was trying to read his thoughts and suddenly Harry knew with absolute certainty that she thought that he was not telling her the whole truth.

Harry cursed quietly in his mind. Back on Hogwarts grounds for five minutes and it already seemed like he was having difficulty keeping his secrets. 'How am I going to keep my vow to Luther and the Order if I can't event convince my own Owl?' He thought to himself as he took a deep breath. 'I have to take this more seriously, I have to focus. This is no longer a game or an exercise. This is real. I have to be convincing.'

But something, some instinct also told him that he would not be able to lie to his owl. To his familiar. Taking another deep breath he stared into Hedwig's piercing golden eyes.

"Alright girl, you are right there is more to it than I'm telling you. I can't tell you what it's about, not now not yet. I've made a vow. But I promise that next time we won't be parted, next time you will come with me. Ok?"

Hedwig seemed to consider his offer and appeared slightly mollified. It was perhaps fortunate that a moment later the attention of boy and owl was diverted by a series of loud happy barks that became progressively louder as their source came closer.

Harry had time to glimpse a black blur making its way towards him and then made out the shape of Fang the boarhound, barking excitedly.

But then when the boarhound was only a few feet away from Harry the boarhound suddenly stopped. Fang lifted his head and took several loud sniffs in Harry's direction. The boarhound seemed to quiver, his flanks and nose twitching. Then he started to growl.

Harry looked at Fang in confusion for a moment. Then something clicked in his mind and he cursed. Although he had used several cleaning spells on himself following the battle in the forest it was impossible that he would have removed all traced of the smells from that conflict. To say nothing of the fact that he had spend the last month and more in the company of a Vampire and a pack of werewolves. It would have been more unusual if Fang had failed to react to the unfamiliar scents that no doubt still lingered on his person.

Raising a hand palm out Harry slowly tried to approach the agitated dog.

"It's me Fang." He said reassuringly. "It's Harry. I know I have some weird smells on me but I'm still the same person." He continued in s soothing voice as he continued to move slowly towards Fang.

But the boarhound was having none of it. He continued to growl and shook his head. Backing up as Harry tried to approach.

Harry signed and wondered what to do next. Luckily he was saved by another arrival.

He suddenly looked up at the sound of another commotion from Hagrid's cabin. Moments latter Harry saw the half-giant emerge. Although he wore his familiar moleskin coat and boots all he appeared to have on underneath them was an old grubby nightgown that a normal person could probably have used as a small tent.

Harry could hear him taking to himself as he reached down to gather his crossbow from its usual resting place beside the door.

"I don't know what's gotten into them. First Hedwig and now Fang…. It better not be any of those Death Eaters snooping around right on the day that the students and Harry are due ba..."

Hagrid's monologue abruptly cut off as he started to move away from his hut and his eyes fell on a black coated figure standing a few feet away on the open ground before the forest. At first he could not make out the figures features as his eyes adjusted to the dawning light, but then he saw the familiar white owl perched on the figures hand. Saw its messy black hair and familiar green eyes.

"Harry?" he asked in a voice that was tinged with disbelief, wonder and hope.

Harry smiled and started to move towards his oldest friend in the Wizarding world.

"Hello Hagrid, I can't tell you how good it is to see you again."

Hagrid's face burst into a smile, his white teeth shining through his bushy black beard. He started to hurry towards Harry but then stopped as he saw the growling figure of Fang.

He frowned. "Here now Fang what's wrong? It's Harry."

But the boarhound continued to growl and suddenly Hagrid stopped and looked up at Harry wearily, half raising the crossbow held in his hands.

"How do I know you're really Harry?" Asked the Half-giant warily

Harry looked at Hagrid, surprised and a little hurt. Then he took a deep breath and looked at it from Hagrid's perspective. Here he was just emerged from the forbidden forest after months of kidnapped by a dark creature. How was Hagrid to know he was who he said he was? Then Harry smiled.

"You were the one who picked me up from my Parents house after Voldemort's attack, you flew me to the Dursley's on my Godfather's motorbike and then on my eleventh birthday you were the one who brought me my Hogwarts letter and took me to Diagon alley to get my school supplies. You gave me my first birthday cake."

Hagrid smiled with relief and started to shoulder his crossbow, then stopped himself and looked weary again.

"That's all true, but a lot of people know most of that."

Harry smiled. "Would they also know about how when you caught my cousin eating that cake you tried to turn him into a pig but only ended up giving him the tail?" asked Harry as he smiled at the memory.

Hagrid gave a boom of laughter and shouldering his crossbow hurried forward. Harry moved forward to meet him, but was caught by surprise as the half giant caught him in a massive embrace that felt like it was threatening to break his back. Possibly fortunately it only lasted a moment as Hedwig uttered another indignant SCREECH while attempting to avoid being crushed, all the while refusing to give up her grip on Harry's arm.

Hagrid quickly let Harry go with a sheepish expression and shot Hedwig an apologetic look. Then he looked down at his young friend and put his hands on his shoulders.

"Harry, it is you." He said looking him over critically.

"It's me Hagrid." Harry agreed, smiling at his friend warmly.

Hagrid smiled back, but then his face grew serious. "Are you alright Harry? Are you well? What are you doing here? Did you manage to escape?"

"I'm fine Hagrid. In fact I'm very well. And no I didn't escape. The vampire dropped me off at the edge of the forbidden forest. He said that it was safer that way for all involved."

Hagrid suddenly looked up alarmed. "You mean he's here, now?"

"No Hagrid, I think he's long gone by now. He dropped me off just as the sun was starting to rise. I'd be very surprised if he stayed around a second longer than necessary."

Hagrid nodded in agreement but continued to scan the boarder of the forest warily.

"Aye, no Vampire likes to be around when the suns up. But still Harry its best not to take chances. Let's get you up to the Castle quick sharp now. I know Dumbledore will be anxious to see you again."

That said the two of them started to make their way up towards Hogwarts Castle proper. Pausing only long enough to gather Harry trunk from where he had left it. Harry made to take the handle of his trunk but Hagrid shook his head and then easily lifted the trunk and tucked it under his left arm. He held his crossbow in a ready position in his right.

"No Harry." Said Hagrid when Harry started to protest. "Its no trouble for me to carry it, besides if anything happens you'll need to be able to use your wand and move around."

Harry looked at Hagrid in surprise. "Is that likely, this close to Hogwarts?"

Hagrid grimaced as he started moving up towards the castle. "Not likely but possible. After what happened at the department of mysteries last year you showed everyone that You know who was back. That means that he and the Death Eaters haven't had any reason to lie low like they did after the Triwizard tournament. Things are back to how they were before you put a stop to him Harry, just as bad if not worse then during the war. They haven't tried anything against Hogwarts, not yet, but I've seen tracks in the forbidden forest. Wizards and other things. The few centaurs that will still talk to me say that they've seen them too and they hint that more has been happening in the deeper woods." Suddenly Hagrid stopped eyes widening as if he'd said something he shouldn't have. "But I'm sure that Dumbledore will fill you in on the details when we get to the castle Harry." Said Hagrid as he quickened his pace until Harry was forced to jog to keep up with the tall half giants stride.

"Hagrid you said that Voldemort's has been more active? In what way? What has he been doing? Has anyone been attacked?"

Hagrid's grimaced uncomfortably. "Harry I'm not sure I'm the best person to tell you this. We'll be at the castle soon, I'm sure that Dumbledore will tell you all the details you need to know."

A flash of white hot anger surged through Harry at those words. But he ruthlessly suppressed it with all the skill that he had been taught. Jogging forward he grabbed the half giant's right arm, jerking him around and causing Hagrid to come to a stop in surprise.

"Hagrid." Said Harry an intense look on his face. "All last year when I asked what was happening that was all that everyone ever said to me. No one would tell me what was going on, what we thought Voldemort (Harry didn't miss that Hagrid still flinched when he said the name) was planning and as a result of that I nearly got my friends killed and I did get Sirius killed!"

Hagrid looked like he was about to protest, but Harry cut him off with a sweep of his hand. "I wasn't the one that did the deed, but I was the reason that he was there Hagrid. He was there because of me. I bear part of the blame for that along with Voldemort and Lestrange." The last was said with obvious loathing. "But all of that happened because no one was willing to tell me what was happening. So Hagrid please, as my friend tell me what has been happening." The last was almost pleading.

Hagrid looked unhappy, a tortured expression crossed his face. For a moment he shook his head and looked about to say no, but then he looked at Harry. At the determination etched in his stance and the pleading in his eyes. And then he gave a long sigh and looked down defeated. "Alright Harry, alright."

As they continued their walk up towards the castle Hagrid filled Harry in on the events that he had missed during the course of his abduction by Luther.

"It all started a few weeks after the end of term Harry. There have been several giant attacks on some of the isolated villages in Scotland and Wales. The ministry of magic had a hell of a job covering those up. They couldn't cover up the damage, had to call it the results of freak hurricanes and storms and such. Soon after that You Know Who made a demand. Sent some poor ministry employee in under the Imperius curse while Fudge was at a press conference. He demanded that Fudge step down and declare him minister of magic otherwise the massacres of muggles would continue."

Harry stopped in shock. "Fudge! Fudge is still minister of Magic after all that he's let happen?"

Hagrid's mouth twisted in wiry agreement. "Yeah, he may not be much of a Minister Harry but Dumbledore says that it's too much of a risk trying to change the structure of the Ministry during such an uncertain time. He's given Fudge his full support and said that he is confident that Fudge will be able to step up to the challenge during this trying time (1)."

Luther's training was all that allowed Harry to keep his face immobile and his emotions in check. He could not believe that Dumbledore could be so stupid as to allow Fudge to remain in office. Yes, changing the Minister would cause upheavals and he could see why Dumbledore would seek to avoid that in the current situation. But the logic of Dumbledore's decision only held true if the Minister was already strong or at least competent. Nothing that Harry had seen in his 5 years in the Wizarding world had given him any indication that Fudge was either. So he could only think who benefited more from Fudge remaining in power? The Wizarding world or Voldemort?

Harry was shaken out of his thoughts as Hagrid continued speaking.

'Only a few days after Fudge refused to step down there was a big accident. Some bridge in the middle country, can't remember the name now but it was a big one. Bridge snapped clean in two, dozens of cars and hundreds of muggles plunged into the water, most of them drowned. After that there were more attacks, this time on Wizards. Amelia Bones and Emmeline Vance.."

"Amelia Bones." Interrupted Harry. "Susan's grandmother?"

"Yes that was her." Said Hagrid a sad look on his face. "She was the head of the department of magical law enforcement and a powerful witch. She put up a hell of a fight apparently, they reckon it may have been You Know Who himself that did her in. As for Vance, well she was pretty high up in the Wizengamot there was some talk of her trying to oust Fudge, calling a vote of not confidence against him, but I guess that's moot now."

Harry was thinking furiously. Voldemort seemed to be targeting highly placed Wizards and witches within the ministry. Anyone strong enough to effectively act against him was being identified and removed.

"People are getting more and more afraid to go out on the street or meet in public." Continued Hagrid glumly. "Even Diagon Alley isn't safe anymore. They hit Florean Fortescue a few weeks ago."

"Fortescues? The icecream parlour in Diagon Alley? I remember him he used to give me free ice creams during the summer of my 3rd year."

Hagrid nodded. "Yeah he was a good man. Never in the Order or anything but he always spoke out against You Know Who and the Death Eaters and when he talked people listened. The alley won't be the same without him and Ollivander."

This last one shocked Harry. "The Death Eaters targeted Mr Ollivander as well?"

Hagrid shrugged. "No, or at least we don't think so. There was no sign of a struggle or anything but one morning only a week or so after the end of term his shop was just empty. The whole place wands and all cleaned out like it had been gone for years. Don't know why he felt the need to go into hiding and I hear it's made it really difficult for the new first years and anyone else to get wands. But Dumbledore says that old Ollivander's canny. Been around a long time, even longer than Dumbledore he says and Dumbledore reckons he's just lying low until things settle down again. Still don't know why he's running off now when he didn't during the 1st war though."

Harry thought he had a good idea. He remembered the battle on the night that Luther had taken him. Remembered how he had taken Voldemort's wand, which he had since claimed as his own. As Voldemort had been unable to reclaim his wand from Harry he would need to replace it and who better top provide a replacement than the man who had made the original? 'No', thought Harry 'Ollivander likely has a very good reason for not wanting to be found.'

"But probably the worst thing that's happened is all the mist that's been spreading over the country, causing misery and despair all around so thick even the muggles are feeling it. Ruddy Dementors!"

"Dementors? How are they involved with the weather?" Asked Harry slightly distracted still by the news about Ollivander.

"They're causing it Harry!" Said Hagrid. "You Know Who's let them loose. He's letting them feed unrestrained. They're feeding on such a scale that they're spreading mist and misery across whole portions of the country. And what's worse the more they feed the stronger they get and as they get stronger they start breeding and .."

"What! Breeding! Dementors can breed?" Yelled Harry in shock, not even his training able to conceal his shock at this news.

"Yeah" Said Hagrid distractedly as they closed the final distance to the great doors that were the main entrance to Hogwarts. "And let me tell you Harry the Ministry better do something about them soon. There hasn't been an uncontrolled spawning of Dementors for a long time, if things continue like this" Hagrid Stopped and shivered "It could be bad."

And on that final cheery thought the two stopped as Hagrid reached into the volumous pockets of his coat for the huge keys he would need to open the main doors.

Albus Dumbledore, headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was by no means a young man. By muggle standards he would have been considered ancient to the point that he should have either been long since dead or reduced by frailty and senility to little more than a human vegetable. However on of the many benefits of magic was a markedly increased lifespan. Wizards, unlike muggles could expect on average live between a hundred and forty to a hundred and sixty years, while some lucky individuals lived long enough to celebrate their bicentenary. Yet even among wizards Albus Dumbledore would be considered old, only his long association with his friend Nicholas Flammel and by connection with Flammel's Philosophers stone had allowed him to maintain both a level of power and a liveliness that belonged to a much younger man. Yet even the Philosophers stone could not lift the weight of nearly two centuries of memories and experiences.

As with most long lived Wizards Dumbledore had long since cultivated a number of quirks and idiosyncrasies that had allowed him to cope with the at times crushing burden of his life. This resulted in behaviour that made him appear to others to be either remarkably flippant or slightly mad or a combination of both. Yet there were times when he could not put off the burden of his memories and such a time was now.

He stood staring out of the window of his office over the grounds of Hogwarts as the sun started to rise in the sky. Sleep had eluded him again this night. As it had far too often lately. He knew that he needed to rest, that exhaustion was beginning to take a toll on him. By reflex he rubbed his now blackened and shrivelled right hand and the ring it now bore. 'Too old' he thought to himself 'Too old and too slow to deal with this sort of thing now. But if not me who else?"

And that was the crux of the matter. While his body and mind begged for, screamed for rest, there was simply too much for him to do now for him to take the rest he needed.

The new war, already labelled the second war by the Daily Prophet was not going well. Despite his efforts to prepare for Voldemort's return the Dark Lord appeared to hold all the advantages in the current conflict. His old allies were flocking to his dark standard. Death Eaters, Giants, Werewolves, Dementors and now Vampires. His forces struck seemingly at will and the forces of the Ministry of Magic were hard pressed to conceal the results of those attacks from the muggle population, to say nothing of preventing them.

Every day the Daily Prophet brought new stories of Death Eater attacks on populations both muggle and magical. Everyday the wizarding world's fear deepened and their confidence in the ministry diminished. He flinched as he thought of that. Fudge was far from ideal as a minister of magic in the current circumstances. He was a purely political creature, but that at least made him a known quality and with Amelia Bones and Emmeline Vance gone there was no one else in the ministry he felt that he could trust or at least understand. There were others that might serve better as Minister of Magic. Rufus Scridgemour the new head of the department of magical law enforcement being one. But he was too much of an unknown quality. He could not predict how Rufus would react, could not know the best way to influence the man. 'No he thought to himself, in these trying times better the devil you know than the devil you don't.'

His dark mood softened slightly as he heard a soft musical trill. He turned around and smiled at the large bronze stand upon which sat Fawkes. The Phoenix was well on the way through his current cycle, his brilliant red and gold plumage was slightly dull and faded, and his wings had the slightest evidence of a droop. But for all that he was still a magnificent animal, and Dumbledore took strength and comfort from the magic of his call.

He crossed his office and raised his good hand to gently stroke the slightly faded plumage on his friends head. Not even Fawkes's tears had been sufficient to heal the damage to his right hand but given the nature of the artefact that had caused that damage it was not surprising.

He had won a victory with his ability to locate and destroy that artefact. But it was a victory tinged with bitterness for the price of that victory had shown him that the task that he had set out on was not one that he could accomplish alone. He would need the assistance of another. One upon which the hope of the entire wizarding world now seemed to rest. But that only brought him back to his greatest worry. Was that hope still there?

Today was September the 1st. Today was the day that Luther had said that Harry Potter would be returned to Hogwarts. Dumbledore had already arranged for even higher security to be put in place on Platform 9 ¾ than what the ministry, fearful of Death Eater attacks had already put in place. Aurors, members of the Order of the Phoenix and even key members of the teaching staff had been placed on the train to ensure that no harm came to the students and to Harry in particular. But that all depended on Luther returning Harry to them in the first place.

Dumbledore sighed deeply as he turned his head to look out the window of his office over the grounds of Hogwarts as they were illuminated by the rising sun. Part of him knew that he should not worry. He more than the vast majority of wizards had first hand knowledge of how serious vampires of the Order to which Luther belonged were about keeping their word. He was confident that the vampire would return Harry today. But that did not stop him from worrying about other things, the chief among them being Harry's treatment over the last few months.

Harry had been in Luther's grasp for the majority of the summer vacation. There was no telling what state Harry would return to them in.

Luther's brief letter had said that he would protect the boy, that he was honour bound to do so because of a debt. But what kind of a debt could a vampire centuries old owe to a boy barely sixteen? That he would be protected did not necessarily mean that he would be well treated. Harry's treatment at the hands of his relatives over the years made that abundantly clear to Dumbledore. Yet while the Dursley's treatment of Harry had been atrocious, it had never crossed the line into outright intentional abuse. There was no guarantee that Luther would be the same. And that was Dumbledore's greatest concern. Would Harry return to them beaten and abused? Traumatised by his treatment at the hands of a creature so steeped in darkness that it literally could not survive in the light. How could he then also cope with the knowledge of what the wizarding world now expected of him? Grown men could shatter under such a burden and Harry for all that he had accomplished and been through was still a boy. One that had already borne too much in his short life.

Dumbledore sighed again as the burden of his fears and doubts seemed to settle even more heavily over him with a weight that not even Fawkes singing could completely relieve.

He was about to turn away from the window and try to forget his worries by burying himself in his work when he caught a sign of movement in the corner of his eye. Blinking and turning he looked down to see the outline of two figures making their way towards the castles main gate. One was the unmistakable form of Hagrid, the other was dark haired and looked to be clad in a students robes. Dumbeldore's heart seemed to lurch in his chest. He hardly dared to let himself hope. He muttered a quick incantation over his glasses and immediately the enchanted instruments focused in on the smaller of the two figures bringing him into sharp relief as if he had been standing on the opposite side of the room rather than more than a castles length away. That close the figures features were unmistakable, but to be sure Dumbledore checked him over thoroughly. Questings designed to pierce glamour's and illusions, some backed up by the castles own formidable wards had no impact on the figures features. Other tests would still have to be done as other means such as Polyjuice could fool even those formidable questings, but as Dumbledore turned and made his way down the headmaster's staircase to Hogwarts main entrance he allowed himself to feel something that he had not dared to feel in more than a month. It was hope.

Harry paused beside Hagrid just before the massive iron reinforced oaken doors of Hogwarts. The Half giant had set aside Harry's trunk and his crossbow and was now searching through the volumous pockets of his Moleskin coat as he searched for the key for the door.

Hagrid had already spent at least five minutes going through his pockets and reviewing a bewildering array of keys on at least 5 separate key rings.

Harry was about to offer Hagrid his assistance when the half-giant let out a loud "Ah ha" of triumph and brandished a small ancient looking bronze key on the most recent key ring. Harry looked at the bronze key and then at the massive iron lock in the door. The keyhole was easily 5 to 10 times the size of the small key in Hagrid's hand. Harry was about to comment on this when the key suddenly grew in size from something the length of his finger to something the size of a small sword.

Hagrid smiled at Harry knowingly and then reached up to place the now full sized key in the keyhole which was only slightly lower than the half-giant's head. Before he could do so however the doors suddenly swung inwards with only a slight squeek of the well oiled hinges, to reveal a very familiar wizard waiting for them, clad in a bright lime green robes with the symbols of stars and planets set out in silver.

"Harry, my dear boy." Said the Wizard as he moved forwards to lay his hands on Harry's shoulders. "How very good it is to have you back with us."

Harry looked up and smiled at the wrinkled old face with the long white beard and unmistakable twinkling eyes and was able to say absolutely truthfully.

"Thank you headmaster Dumbledore it is very good to be back."

Dumbledore looked down on him and smiled. "You are looking well Harry. But how did you come to be here? Where did you find him Hagrid?" He asked as he turned towards the Keeper of Keys and Grounds.

"Oh I didn't find him sir. It was his owl. One moment I was fast asleep in my bed, the next Hedwig was screeching and carrying on fit to wake the dead! I had no choice but to let her out of her cage and then she wouldn't stop until I let her out of the house. When I finally got outside to see what had her so agitated I found Harry already on the grounds."

"Ah yes." Said the headmaster as he turned to look at the snowy owl that still had not give up its grip on Harry's hand. "While we have all been concerned for your safety Harry I believe that Hedwig was the most concerned of us all."

Suddenly Harry interrupted him. "Hagrid why was Hedwig in a cage in your house? Why wasn't she in the Owlery or with the Weasley's?" He asked as he reached up to pet his faithful owl.

It was Dumbledore who answered. "She would have been with the Weasley's Harry, but when you disappeared poor Hedwig became frantic. She would not stop searching for you even when it became obvious to us that she could not find you. For her safety and health we thought it would be better that Hagrid care for her until you returned."

Harry turned to look at Hedwig as he continued to stroke the owl's soft breast feathers.

"Is that right girl, were you worried about me?" He asked her. Hedwig reached down her head to nibble his fingers affectionately. She was apparently starting to forgive him, although she still refused to let him go.

He was interrupted by a slight cough behind him. "I know that you have only just arrived back Harry," came Dumbledore's voice "and I know that you are likely tired from all you have endured but unfortunately there are some matters that we must attend to as soon as possible. Now if you would please follow me up to my office.." Dumbledore finished as he gestured with his hand.

Harry looked up at the older wizard. "Sorry headmaster, yes of course." He said as he moved to gather his trunk from where Hagrid had set it down.

"Oh don't worry about that Harry." Said Dumbledore. "The house elves will arrange for your things to be taken up to your rooms in the tower. Hagrid thank you once again for bringing him up."

"Right you are headmaster." Said the Half Giant. "Id best be getting back then, it'll be time to start my rounds soon. Alright then Harry, I'll see you later. I hope your looking forward to care of magical creatures this year. I've got some really exciting classes planned this year."

Harry wasn't really sure he wanted to know what king of magical creatures that Hagrid would consider exciting. Probably those with far too much in the teeth and claws department. Still his next words were said with honest regret.

'Oh, I'm sorry Hagrid but I'm not taking care of magical creatures this year."

Hagrid's mouth dropped open the shock and hurt plain on his face. "Wh..what? Your're not. But why..?"

"Its not that I don't want to." Said Harry earnestly, "It's just that I can't. We're only allowed to choose five electives this year and I need to do all the ones I've selected if I want to become an Auror. Although I still don't know if I'll be allowed to do Potions or not." Finished Harry as he turned to look at Dumbledore.

"Ah yes." Said the old wizard. "Minerva mentioned that to me earlier, that is one of a number of things we need to discuss Harry." Said the headmaster pointedly.

It was another few moments before they left Hagrid behind and made their way up towards the Gargoyle and the winding staircase that lead to the headmaster's office.

When Hagrid left he was obviously still disappointed about losing one of his favourite students, but he was somewhat mollified by Harry's explanation. Hagrid said a few things about how proud both his parents and Sirius would have been before finally leaving after a bone numbing handshake and after eliciting a promise from Harry to come and visit him as soon as possible.

The walk to Dumbledore's office went by in silence. Harry kept waiting for the headmaster to query him about what had happened to him during his confinement by Luther, but the headmaster said nothing. While they walked Harry pondered what he had seen. It had taken all of his self control not to show his reaction when he had first seen Dumbledore and noted that the Headmasters right hand was shrivelled and blackened. It was only the tell take golden glow around the hand that made Harry aware that its true appearance was being concealed behind a charm and a powerful one at that. It was not the only time on the trip that the features of his new glasses came in useful.

At certain points during their walk Harry became convinced that he was being examined, magically. However each time he turned to look at the Headmaster, the man's head was fixed on the corridor before them. Soon after they reached the staircase. The gargoyle had moved out of the way without as much as a word or a gesture from Dumbledore but through both his newly enhanced senses and the charms placed over his new glasses Harry had been able to see the flash of magical power pass between Dumbledore and the gargoyle as the headmaster approached. The flash had been too brief to be a complicated spell. So it must have been some form of query and recognition. 'Which suggests', thought Harry to himself 'that there are wards and protections around the school that appear to be keyed directly to the Headmasters magical signature. Interesting. Thinking back to how many times over the years the Headmaster had appeared at just the right time or had somehow known what was happening from elsewhere in the school, that would explain much.' He thought to himself as he ascended the spiral staircase after the headmaster. But the number of times that Dumbledore had been unaware or unable to prevent the events that had occurred over the years also suggested that there were limits to the powers of surveillance that the Headmaster had. And knowing those limits could be very useful.

Soon after they settled themselves into Dumbledore's office. Dumbledore behind his desk and Harry in one of the seats before it.

As Dumbledore settled himself Harry looked around curiously. The office appeared exactly as he remembered it. The odd gadgets and trinkets that he had destroyed in his fit of rage last year were all apparently repaired and back the way they were. The portraits of the former headmasters still lined the walls. And although they all appeared absolutely still when he looked at them he could have sworn that he could see them moving out of the corner of his eye. Finally he could see the sword of Godric Gryiffindor still standing in its cabinet behind the headmaster's desk. The familiar ragged shape of the sorting hat purchased on a shelf above it.

There was a slight cough from Dumbledore and Harry turned his attention back to the Headmaster. He noted that while Dumbledore appeared smiling and pleasant there was something other than just a twinkling in his eyes. It was a hint of wariness, of alertness.

'He's not quite sure about me' thought Harry to himself.

Dumbledore broke the silence as Harry turned back to face him.

"Harry by boy, I cannot tell you how good it is to have you safe and sound with us once more."

"Thank you Professor, it feels good to be back." Replied Harry smiling.

"Good, good. You appear well Harry, I trust that Luther treated you well while you were with him?"

'Fishing for information already are you Dumbledore?" Thought Harry as he idly stroked Hedwig's plumage.

"Quite well Professor. I mean I didn't really see much of him during the day. He mainly left me alone and made sure I was fed." This was completely true, the fact that Harry had mainly slept during the day while training with Luther at night was another matter.

Dumbledore appeared to sigh with relief. "That is good to hear Harry it sounds as if you ordeal went as well as could be expected."

Harry looked at him confused. "Ordeal Professor?"

"Your kidnapping and incarceration by Luther Harry. Even with all you have experienced to date such an ordeal must have been hard to bear."

"I wouldn't say that Professor." Interrupted Harry. "As I said Sir Luther basically left me alone most of the time. I was kept confined, but he did make sure that I had plenty to eat. He even gave me back my textbooks once they arrived with my school things."

Dumbeldore's eyebrows rose in surprise. "You mean he actually permitted you to keep your wand?"

"He took my wand the same night that he took me away." Said Harry, again a misleading but utterly true statement. "But he let have access to everything else, so I had plenty of time to catch on my reading and my homework. Actually in some ways it was better than my usual holidays at the Dursley's."

Dumbledore looked faintly appalled. "Now Harry, you can't mean that."

Harry shrugged. "At least I had access to most of my school things Professor. With what's happened over the last few years I've kind of gotten used to being locked up over the holidays."

Harry noticed that Dumbledore coughed at this and looked slightly uncomfortable for a moment. Harry's expression did not change but inside his mind was racing. Noting and analysing Dumbeldore's reactions.

'So you knew about that did you Dumbledore." He thought, long practise automatically now suppressing the flash of rage that came with that realisation. 'How long have you known and why have you never done anything about it?'

After a moment Dumbledore continued.

"Harry I realise that you have been through a lot and I know that this must be painful for you, but I must ask you to give me any details you can recall about Luther and about the place where he was holding you."

Harry gave out a deep mournful sign. "I'm sorry Professor but I can't do that."

Dumbledore nodded understandingly. "Harry I know these memories must be painful for you. They would be painful to anyone. But I must ask you to try and do this. It is imperative that we learn all we can about Luther and his activities as soon as possible if we are to..."

"Sorry Professor but you don't understand. Its not that I don't want to answer your question, it's that I can't. If I do I risk violating the vow."

Dumbledore was preparing himself for another argument but at this last word he swallowed what he had been about to say and looked at Harry with piercing intent a sense of foreboding in his gut.

"A vow, what vow Harry?"

"The vow that Luther required me to take before I left. He made me swear on my life, my magic and by all I held dear that I would not reveal anything that he showed me to another."

The foreboding in Dumbledore's gut doubled, but he held onto a small shred of hope.

"Can you repeat the vow you made for me Harry? As exactly as you can." Requested Dumbledore.

Harry nodded then began to recite.

"By my life, by my magic and by all that I hold dear. I Harry Potter, son of Lily and James Potter swear never to repeat what is revealed to me to another."

Dumbledore's small hope was shattered. He recognised the phrasing of that vow.

"And you made this vow willingly, uncoearced?" He said resignation entering his voice as he lifted a hand to his forehead.

Harry nodded. "Well yes it didn't seem like a big deal and it seemed worth it to have access to my school things and to be let outside occasionally."

The Headmaster nodded but inside he was deeply troubled. That vow spoken in that formula and given freely was a binding magical contract. What was worse the vow specifically made reference to Harry's life, magic and all he held dear. Even if he could convince Harry to break the vow he had made the consequences that the magic would extract for that breach could be disastrous. Harry could lose his magic or even his own life or the lives of his friends. What's more this could happen if Harry disclosed anything that may breach the terms of a foolishly open ended vow to anyone. Which meant that he would have to protect Harry and try to deflect attention and queries as to his disappearance away from him. For if Harry should even accidentally slip something considered to be important under the vow then the magic of the vow would act against Harry. Dumbledore shuddered to think of the price it might take for breaking such an oath, especially as the Oathtaker had been a vampire.

Dumbledore was so focused on what Harry had just told him and the possible implications that he failed to notice that someone was making their way up the staircase to his office, rather rapidly in fact, until it was too late to prevent it.

The door to the staircase crashed against the wall with a colossal bang and in stalked Severus Snape.

The potions master was wearing a heavy set of hooded black robes, of a sort that was very similar, if not identical to what Death Eaters normally wore. His face was also flushed with exertion his normally scowling face tense with emotion. As soon as he was through the door he slammed it closed behind him.

"Headmaster you need to hear this, there have been some very...." Snape's voice came out loud and agitated but before he could say more than a few words Dumbledore cut him off.

"SEVERUS" he called in the loud voice that Harry could not remember hearing since his first year. Snape instantly stopped in shock.

"This may not be the best time for this conversation." Said the Headmaster gesturing in Harry's direction.

Snape whirled around to face him, his eyes widening in shock as he identified the occupant of the room that he had previously missed.

"POTTER!" he stated incredulously his eyes wide in shock.

"Professor Snape." Replied Harry politely from his chair in front of the headmaster's desk. 'It was rather entertaining' thought Harry from behind the polite mask he kept over his face, to finally see the Potions Master so shocked after all these years.'

Harry watched the play of emotions over Snape's face, first surprise and shock that briefly gave way to what felt like relief? But that quickly gave way to anger.

"Potter, what are you doing here?" demanded Snape.

Harry shrugged and replied innocently. "It's the first day of term professor."

Snape sneered. "As usual you display an inability to accurately grasp the facts Potter. It is not in fact the first day of term it is the day before term starts, the day before the start of term feast. Which means that you like all other Hogwarts students should be making your way to the Hogwarts Express. Are you suddenly too good to ride with the other students Potter?"

Before Harry could reply Dumbledore did so for him. "It would appear Severus that Harry's ... benefactor over the holidays elected to deliver him directly to the school rather than arranging to leave Harry at the train station as we believed was his intention."

Snape sneered as he glared banefully at Harry. "It is traditional for all students to attend the train ride together but it would appear that once again our rules and traditions do not apply to Mr Potter."

"Now Severus that is hardly fair." Protested Dumbledore. "Harry can hardly blamed for the way in which Luther chose to fulfil his promise. It was not like he had any control over the situation that he was in."

"Perhaps headmaster, but it was you yourself that requested the presence of additional Aurors and members of the department of magical law enforcement to guard the train this year. Largely for Mr Potters benefit. Their efforts now appear to have been wasted.

"Again Severus Harry was ignorant of those arrangements an can hardly be blamed for that .."

"But then there is also the matter of the weeks that the Auror's have spent searching for Mr Potter. Several teams of Auditors have been scouring the country for you and have found absolutely nothing and yet today you just walk onto the grounds of Hogwarts as if nothing has happened."

Harry looked into Snape's glaring face and replied evenly. "I was very well hidden during my confinement Professor."

Snape's glare only intensified at this response. "Potter not just the Auror's but a large number of Death Eaters, their most skilled allies and even the Dark Lord himself have devoted a considerable amount of time and effort to locating you all of which availed them nothing! I know what means they used to try and find you Potter, without your relatives Blood protection it should have been impossible for them not to succeed. Yet they failed, I would be very interested to know exactly where you were and how your captor managed to keep you concealed." Snape's voice was low and dangerous.

Harry met the potion masters gaze without flinching. "I am afraid I cannot tell you anything regarding that professor."

Snape's glare became white hot.

"That was not a request Potter, this information is to valuable for any of your childish games. Now tell me where this Luther hid you and how he kept you concealed or I will loosen your tongue with veritaserum."

"SEVERUS" Dumbledore's shout cut across Snape' increasingly heated tirade.

Both Harry and Snape turned to stare at him. Dumbledore took a moment to compose himself before speaking again.

"Before you attempt to interrogate Harry on his location during his confinement you should be aware that Luther appears to have taken steps to safeguard the secrecy of his location."

Snape looked at Dumbledore questioningly. The headmaster sighed. "He required Harry to make a vow to prevent him from revealing where he had been held and what had transpired during his confinement."

Snape's gaze shot to Harry and then back to the headmaster. "He made the vow willingly?"

Dumbledore nodded gravely. Snape shook his head and paced around the room clearly agitated. With his enhanced senses Harry could hear him muttering under his breath. The phrase 'idiot boy' was the most complementary thing uttered. After a moment Snape stopped and turned back to Dumbledore. "On what was the vow made?" He asked ignoring Harry for the moment.

"Oh his life, his magic and all he holds dear." Said Dumbledore significantly.

Snape's eyes once again shot to Harry and once again Harry read shock and a fleeting glimpse of concern in his gaze before it was replaced with frustration.

"A vow like that specifically worded and guaranteed would have a great deal of power. It is unlikely that Mr Potter could be forced to unwillingly divulge information on his confinement even under the influence of veritaserum, the power of the vow would prevent it. And if he were to willingly reveal the information that upon which he had sworn the vow would be forfeit."

Dumbledore nodded his head. Harry's features remained impassive but inside he was smiling. Enjoying Snape's frustration at being denied access to information he clearly desperately wanted.

However Harry's amusement stopped when Snape suddenly turned to face him with a gleam in his eye and a smirk on his face.

"Well then if Mr Potter cannot reveal the information himself perhaps there are other means that we can use to acquire it."

Suddenly the potion masters wand was in his hand pointed directly at Harry. Harry had to force himself not to react as his reflexes screamed at him to move. But he had a feeling what was coming and was looking forward to the result.

Harry could faintly hear Dumbledore's voice rising in protest even as Snape cried out 'Legimus!"

Harry could feel the magical probe as it tried to force itself into his mind. However his defences were now so deeply ingrained now that he did not even have to think consciously to react. By reflex his magic lashed out, firstly forming a shell around his mind, deflecting the probe and preventing it from viewing his memories, then his magic gathered itself again, this time lashing out at the probe forcibly expelling it from him. Harry had done this so many times with Luther that this reaction was routine, the results this time however were not.

At the same time as Harry expelled the probe an invisible wave of magic suddenly swept out and struck Snape. The potions master was sent flying backwards, his wand hurled from his hand. He struck a bookshelf behind him with a thundering crack seeming to nearly embed himself in the wood before collapsing to a heap at its base. Thick old tomes unbalanced by the force of his impact fell down on him until he was slightly buried in a pile of fallen literature.

Dumbledore who had risen from behind his desk to protest stared at the result of Snape's actions in shock before turning to look at Harry in surprise.

Harry sat in his seat but affected to look slightly contrite.

'Ahh oops, there's something I probably should have mentioned before he tried that."

Over the years Harry Potter felt that he had become something of an expert in the glares of Severus Snape. Harry had not previously thought it but the potions master had an incredible level of self control. He rarely if ever showed his emotions or exactly what he was thinking. When he did show an emotion it was usually anger or something related to it. Which now that Harry came to think about it was a very useful skill to have. How much easier must it be to conceal your feelings and emotions if you appear to be constantly locked in one expression? But if one knew what to look for one could get an idea of what the Potions master was thinking from the way he glared.

The glare that Harry was currently receiving was one that he had never seen before but it could probably have qualified as a Class A restricted dark spell, capable of turning any first year to a pile of quivering goo within seconds.

Fortunately Harry had a high degree of immunity to Snape's glare having been on the receiving end of it for many years.

Taking a sip of tea, all he could do to keep from smiling as he could almost feel the force of the glare intensify at his nonchalant action.

The potions master sat upright in another chair on the opposite end of the headmaster's office. Dumbledore had probably felt it prudent to put some distance between them when he had levitated the then unconscious professor's body from under the pile of books where he had fallen. Probably a good idea considering that the potions masters' first action upon regaining consciousness was to lock his gaze on Harry and then reach for his wand.

Fortunately for Harry by that time both Madam Pomfrey and Professor McGonagall had been summoned to the headmaster's office. Harry took some comfort from the presence of his head of house knowing that she would intercede if Snape appeared to be getting to out of control. Fortunately such an intercession was unnecessary. It appeared that even Ex-Death Eaters could be cowed by the formidable presence of Madam Pomfrey when she was in full bedside manner. It was all that Harry could do not to smirk as he watched the mediwitch fuss over the Head of Slytherin house. Waving her wand over the back of his head and demanding that he answer her questions.

However soon enough she pronounced Snape to be "as well as he ever is" before her eyes lighted on Harry and she started to move towards him with a purposeful stride.

Harry had shrunk back in his chair and had frantically turned his newly learned skills to thoughts of escape. Memories of his extensive experience under the Matrons tender care coming vividly to his mind. Fortunately the Headmaster had come to Harry's defence stating that they had business to discuss but that Harry would be down for a full check up later. Well so that was a temporary reprieve rather than a true save. Still Harry would take what he could get.

All of which lead to the current situation. Dumbledore was the first to act after Poppy left, perhaps attempting to defuse the tension that was practically radiating off Snape, ever his charming self.

"Minerva I apologise for calling you away. I know that you still have preparations to make before the students arrive back."

McGonagall waved away his comments.

"Not at all headmaster after all this concerns one of my students. One that we have all been worried over." She said as she turned to Harry with a smile.

Harry smiled back and basked in that smile for a moment before, predictably it was ruined by Snape.

"Charming as this is Headmaster I really see no reason to stroke the boys sense of self importance further. If you have no further need for me then I do have many preparations still to make thanks to the delays caused by Potter' sudden return."

Dumbledore raised a hand as Snape started to rise. "Actually Severus there is one matter that I need to discuss with the two of you. Something that Harry himself reminded me of actually. Harry has stated that he wishes to undertaken NEWT level potions as one of his electives this year. As the potions master of Hogwarts the decision as to whether or not to accept students into the NEWT level course is still part of your remit."

Instantly MacGonagall's face went stern and Harry had the impression she was steeling herself for a fight. The sight sparked a feeling of foreboding in his stomach as he looked over at Snape and was disturbed to see that the man was actually grinning. He looked like someone had suddenly handed him the formula to the elixer of life complete with a supply of ingredients.

McGonagall fired the first salvo perhaps hoping to take Snape off guard.

"I hardly see why this requires Severus's approval Headmaster, I have already spoken with professor Slughorn and he has said that he is perfectly willing to accept Harry into his NEWT level classes. With the consent of the schools potions instructor I hardly see how it is necessary to obtain..."

"You forget yourself Minerva." Snape may have been taken off guard but he rallied quickly. "It is tradition going back to the time of the founders that the Schools potions master has the final say as to which students will be permitted to study the NEWT level material. Moreover as the boys previous instructor for the last five years I am in a much better position to evaluate both his skills and his temperate to undertake the advanced study of potions. Professor Slughorn may be a distinguished teacher with many years of experience but I am the senior Potions Master, both within Hogwarts and within the guild(2) and so the final decision rests with me."

"Who's professor Slughorn?" Asked Harry with careful nonchalance. He had feeling that letting the two heads of houses get into a full argument was going to do nothing for his chances of attending potions this year.

It was Dumbledore who answered him, probably equally glad for a distraction from the building argument.

"Horace Slughorn Harry, is the previous head of Slytherin house and for many years served as the Potions teacher and Master at Hogwarts. He held that position while your parents were still in school but chose to retire during the first reign of Voldemort. I have managed to convince him to return to us to take over the teaching of potions this year (3).

Harry frowned slightly in confusion. "But Professor if professor Slughorn is taking over potions who is going to be teaching defence?

Dumbledore nodded towards the two still arguing house heads.

"Professor Snape will be taking on that role this year, he is extremely qualified although he lacks practical experience in this role."

Harry thought that Dumbledore must be referring to a lack of experience actually teaching defence against the dark arts. If Snape had a lack of experience with the subject matter he'd eat his Firebolt, diamond hard polish, bristles and all. Then again, he amended in his he probably does lack practical experience in defending against the dark arts, although he should have plenty of experience with the opposite.

Harry's musings were interrupted as he caught the tail of Snape's escalating argument with McGonagall.

"As the senior officer of the Potions Guild at Hogwarts I cannot in good conscience allow a student who I believe lacks the necessary understanding to study the NEWT level potions material. The NEWT level studies are far more complex and far more dangerous than the OWL level material the Mr Potter somehow succeeded in passing." Said Snape a thoroughly satisfied look upon his face.

"Severus that is ridiculous and you know it." Her use of the Potions masters first name was a good indication of just how put out McGonagall was becoming.

"All NEWT level material is more complex and potentially dangerous than that at OWL level. While what you say is true you know far better than me that the more dangerous and potentially volatile potions are not taught until well into the second semester for precisely this reason. That is plenty of time for Professor Slughorn to ensure they have the necessary skills to tackle the material. He has already said that he is willing to offer additional tutoring to the students that he feels needs it."

"Ah yes but with Mr Potters schedule being what it will be this year I hardly see how he will have the time to attend the necessary remedial lessons. You should be well aware Minerva of how much additional time the NEWT level studies require. Given Mr Potters choice of extra curricular activities I cannot see how he will find time to attend what I deem to be very necessary remedial studies, unless of course he agrees to give up Quidditch." The last was said with a particularly satisfied smirk and a slight look in Harry's direction.

That proved to be a proverbial bombshell. McGonagall was immediately and loudly protesting Snape's suggestion with a surprising amount of passion. Dumbledore perhaps sensing that the discussion between two of his heads of house was attempting to settle them both down and having no success whatsoever.

McGonagall was becoming increasingly loud and forceful, while Snape was becoming increasingly waspish and sarcastic. They two almost appeared at the point of drawing wands on each other when Harry dropped a bombshell of his own.

"All right, I'll do it."

Somehow Dumbledore managed to hear Harry's quiet comment over his attempts to quiet the escalating argument between his two house heads.

"I'm sorry what was that Mr Potter?"

Surprised all three turned their attention towards Harry who took a deep breath to settle himself. 'This was not going to be well received.' He thought (4).

"Headmaster, if Professor Snape is willing to allow me into the NEWT level potions class then I'm willing to give up Quidditch this year."

McGonagall looked at him like he had gone mad. "Mr Potter! What are you talking about? There is absolutely no need for you to concede to this absolutely unreasonable demand."

However Dumbledore once again cut over the professor's speech.

"Are you certain, Harry?" his eyes were focussed on Harry's with an unusual intensity. Harry forced himself to meet them and keep his voice steady as he replied.

"I'm certain sir. It's something I have been thinking of a lot since the end of last year. I have realised that for a number or reasons I need to devote more time to my studies and quidditch practise is something that has taken up a lot of my free time in the past. Well that and I wasn't sure if my lifetime ban would still be in effect this year."

McGonagall was still unwilling to concede the fight.

"Mr Potter your lifetime ban has of course been rescinded. That Woman should never have been able to establish it in the first place. Now while your attitude to your studies is commendable and I would be the last person to encourage a student not to devote more time to their studies there is no reason to let them completely take over your life."

"Actually Minerva." Interrupted Dumbledore again, the others turning to face him in surprise.

"I believe that this may actually be for the best. Harry has had several close shaves in Quidditch in the past, as is the nature of the sport. Given recent events it may be best if he focuses more on preparing for his future trials rather than risk losing more time to the hospital wing."

Professor McGonagall looked ready to protest again but at the last minute caught herself and interpreted the several not to subtle messages contained in that statement. She looked like she had just bitten into a lemon but finally nodded sharply in agreement.

Dumbledore nodded wearily to her before turning to Snape. "Severus if Harry undertakes to give up Quidditch this year in order to attend Horace's additional lessons I trust you will have no further obligations to his taking up the NEWT level potions?"

Harry could feel the force of Snape's stare on him. He focused on keeping his face in a mildly querying expression as he turned to face the Potions Masters stare.

Snape's gaze lacked the raw power of Dumbledore's but it felt somehow sharper. Strangely there was none of the usual dislike in the gaze rather there was a feeling of scrutiny so intense it was unnerving. There was no feeling of Legimancy, the professor had apparently learned his lesson, but the force and focus of the stare still came as a shock to Harry. He had known for a long time that the potions professor was a dangerous man, but apparently there were still depths to him that he had not realised. He would need to keep that in mind in the future.

"Severus?" The headmasters repeated question shook the two out of the nearly trance like state they had fallen into.

Snape shook himself slightly before turning to reply.

"No objection Headmaster. Far be it for me to discourage the first sign of responsible behaviour Mr Potter has show since starting Hogwarts. We can only pray this uncommon display of common sense will last past the first week of term." The last was said with Snape looking directly at Harry, who gave no reaction to the mans comment or his scrutiny.

"Very good, it appears that is now all settled. Now Minerva I apologise but I still have some matters that I need to discuss with Severus. Would you be so good as to see Harry and Hedwig to their lodgings?"

McGonagall gave both Snape and Dumbledore a long stare before indicating her agreement. Shortly later she left the tower a reluctant Harry still carrying Hedwig in tow. While Harry was eager to get settled back into Gryffindor tower he was not looking forward to explaining to his head of house his reasons for giving up quidditch and thereby depriving Gryffindor of a good chance at the house Quidditch cup.

Snape remained staring at the door for several long moments after Harry had left. In the end it was Dumbledore's voice that finally broke through his concentration.

"A most interesting development, wouldn't you say Severus?" he asked mildly.

Snape turned his attention back to Dumbledore with a grimace.

"You have lost none of your talent for understatement Headmaster. Interesting would not be how I would describe it. Worrying would be far more accurate but I do not think that fully captures the magnitude of the situation!"

"I would not go that far, not just yet. At least not until we have had more of a chance to discover exactly what happened to Mr Potter over the summer. But before we discuss developments regarding Harry I believe there was some other urgent business that you needed to see me for?"

Snape straightened himself, taking a visible effort to turn his mind back to the events that had seemed so urgent a short time ago.

"Yes although I'm not sure what we can do about it now." Remarked Snape ruefully. "I told you before that He has been sending Greyback out amongst the werewolves. Trying to use him to gather more of them to His cause."

Dumbledore nodded gravely. There was no reason to ask who He was. Snape would never say the name of Voldemort, none wearing the mark would risk it but neither would he address him as the Dark Lord in Dumbledore's presence.

"Yes I have had Remus visiting a few of the better know packs trying to point out the dangers of following Tom, no matter what he offers, but I understand that he has met with limited success.

Snape snorted but outwardly offered no further comment. Inside was another matter.

'I'm not surprised he's having limited success' thought Snape with a hidden smirk. 'Strange as it may seem the werewolves despise Lupin nearly as much as most wizards do. More so in some cases. That determination of Lupin's to hold onto his humanity, to deny the beast within, which is what makes you trust him so Headmaster, is ironically what makes those who should be his own kind turn him away. Wise as you are headmaster you seem to be incapable of accepting that some people will always have beliefs that fundamentally differ from ours.'

"Yes, well' said Snape after the moment of thought passed.

"I did point out to you that Lupin faces an uphill battle in his mission with the Packs. He has to convince them both to risk themselves and to act against their own nature while He appears to only ask them to embrace that same nature."

"That may be true Severus but though the packs may not trust Remus, neither do they trust Greyback. That one has gone too far into his other nature and taken it to places darker than I have every heard of one of his kind venturing to."

Snape nodded in agreement.

"That may be true Headmaster but in discussions between werewolves strength counts for a lot more than words, no matter how true they may be and what Fenrir lacks compared to Lupin in terms of words he more than makes up for in terms of brute strength and the will to use it."

Dumbledore's gaze fixed on Snape.

"And are you saying that Voldemort has decided it is time to utilise that strength more actively in order to bring the packs over to his side?"

Snape nodded.

"Yes I only found out last night and only because I chanced to hear a group of the new recruits talking. Apparently a number of the younger Death Eaters were sent out with Greyback to assist him with his latest recruiting drive. The Youngblood's of course were complaining bitterly about being placed under the command of a Half-breed. But not too loudly. Apparently He also decided to send a number of Dementors with Greyback to keep both the wolves and the Youngblood's in line."

Dumbledore's eyes widened in Surprise.

"You mean that Tom has found a way to assign control of the Dementors to his followers?"

Snape shook his head.

"No at least I don't think so. If he had achieved such a high degree of control I believe he would have announced such an achievement. I believe he has convinced the Dementors to split into smaller groups and accompany directed parties. But I have no idea the actual degree of control he has over them or their actions. That may be the reason he chose to first send them out against the werewolves. Less chance of accidentally losing something he considers to be truly valuable."

Dumbledore's eye twitched but did not otherwise dispute the statement.

"Interesting and troubling news. But I somehow doubt this was the only thing you had to tell me my friend. Not judging by the highly agitated state that you arrived here in."

Snape grimaced.

"No you are right but I don't know if we will be able to act on it now. Before I left I tried to find some more information regarding Greyback's mission. The Youngblood's had only the vaguest notion, no real details. I was close to one of the meeting halls when I chanced upon something."

Here Snape paused to look Dumbledore right in the eyes.

"He was in a rage Headmaster. One such as I have rarely seen. Apparently Greyback had failed to report his progress at the assigned time. He attempted to use the mark to contact Greyback but for some reason it did not work. If Greyback was dead the mark should have informed him of the death, but he felt nothing from it. It was if he had never granted the mark to Greyback although I saw it clearly on the creatures arm just a few nights past. I had thought that perhaps the ministry had found some way to block or act against the mark and if you were aware of it you would want to let them know that He is likely to be taking an unhealthy interest in their work."

Dumbledore leaned back in his chair and sighed heavily. "I only wish the ministry did have the Unspeakable's working on such worthwhile subjects Severus. Sadly I can assure you there are no efforts being made to study or counteract the dark mark. Not within the ministry at least."

For a moment Snape looked like he wanted to question further but then settled back with a disappointed sigh. "Of course! I should by now have known better than to hope our oh so effective government would manage to focus their efforts on something even remotely useful." Bitterness was evident in the professor's tone but it lacked its normal bite. Something that Dumbledore noted worriedly.

"Was it really so bad that you had to hurry back here my friend?" asked the aged wizard quietly.

Snape bristled for a moment before taking a deep breath and leaning. With a sigh he brought up a hand to rub his temples.

"He is becoming more and more erratic Albus. Whatever happened to him that night 16 years ago it and the ritual he used to return have done him little good. You remember how he was Headmaster. He was always quick to anger and quick to punish. But power always surrounded him like a cloak. More he could be charming, enticing even persuasive when he was of a mind to be. When he first started gathering followers he lured those he wanted to his side and most went willingly. By the time they saw his other face they were in too deeply or believed to strongly to change their minds.

But there is none of that now. Now he does not even make an effort to command through anything other than fear. Use of teh Crusiatus used to be a special punishment, used only on true incompetant's or those who willingly disobeyed him. Now he is handing out that curse faster than I dock Gryffindor's points in a potions lesson!" The potions masters voiced was tired and weary. The voice of someone who had carried a burden for too long with no sign of being able to set it down.

It was Dumbledore's turn to sigh deeply, unseen by Snape he cradled his right hand under his desk.

"I feared as much. I have as you know been researching the possible methods that Tom may have used to survive his first downfall. I am afraid that if I am correct then while the method he used may have preserved his life, it has also irrevocably damaged him. If I am right then Tom has travelled further down the dark path than I ever dared to believe possible." He finished wearily.

"And do you still believe that whatever this method was it continues to allow him to influence Mr Potter?" Asked Snape with a raised eyebrow.

Dumbledore's expression turned pensive.

"Ah yes Harry. Now that is a new puzzle that has come to light. What were your impressions of him Severus?"

Snape turned to stare at the door through which Harry had not long ago departed.

"The boy has changed. It is subtle but it is definitely there. He was far more in control both of his emotions and his expressions than I have ever seen him before. Even you must admit Headmaster his decision just now was highly unusual given what we know of Mr Potter."

Dumbledore frowned.

"Now Severus that is hardly fair. Harry has been through many traumatic experiences in the last few months. The events at the department of mysteries and Sirius's death, to say nothing of his incarceration over the summer. It is hardly unusual for him to want to focus on his studies especially when he is fully aware of the enemies that he has out there."

"Perhaps." Granted Snape in a tone that showed he was not at all convinced. "But in my experience this is contrary to the behaviour Potter has shown in the past. I will not deny the boy has the ability to cope and act under pressure. Even to focus on a goal when it is important enough to him. But that has always been when there was an immediate threat or a known danger. He has never shown such a dedication to his studies when there was not a clear and present threat to spur him on."

"Now Severus I think you are letting your own feelings towards Harry colour your impressions of him." Started Dumbledore before he was abruptly cut off.

"Headmaster!" Snape snapped Angrily.

"Please you alone are fully aware of why it is necessary that my behaviour towards Mr Potter appears as it does. Why it is so important that everyone, especially Potter himself believes that I feel that way. But please don't insult me by implying I am allowing that facade to influence my professional judgement. At least not when we are here alone."

Dumbledore paused and then nodded.

"You are right my friend forgive me. Sometimes it becomes hard to detach these roles we play from what they conceal. But what then are you saying. That Harry's behaviour is out of character, that you believe Tom may be influencing him?"

Snape nodded deep in thought.

"Yes to the first Headmaster but not to the second. I know you are convinced that He will try and use this link that he appears to have with Mr Potter again. But I have seen no evidence of that since the attack on Potter at privet drive. In fact I have begun to suspect that He has been unable to make use of that link for some time. Since Mr Potter went missing in fact."

Now Dumbledore's eyes snapped to Snape's

"So you believe that we may have to worry about another source having an undue influence over Harry." It was not a question.

Snape's gave remained fixed on nothing in particular as he spoke.

"Whatever Potter used to defend his mind from my legimancy thrust was like nothing I have ever felt before. It was certainly not Occlumency. Occlumency allows you to defend against a mental attack by only showing images that you wish your assailant to see. It does nothing to block the mental intrusion itself. To my knowledge there is no magical way to do so, but that is exactly what Potter just did! My legimancy probe was blocked like it was a twig slammed into a castle wall. That is to say nothing of the wave of magic that struck me in what seemed an instinctive retaliation. I have never heard of such a mental defence."

Dumbledore shook his head troubled. "Neither have I, not among any of the branches of wizardry that I am familiar with."

"Curious I can think of only one thing that Potter has been exposed to recently that may explain this phenomenon and yet conveniently if we attempt to question Potter himself we risk making a Squib out of him." Said Snape in his familiar biting tone.

Dumbledore sighed heavily and leaned back to stare at the ceiling.

"Yes and therein lies the heart of the problem. I have been worried about what impact his time with Luther may have had on Harry. I had hoped that I could work with him and quietly remove any potential damage or threats. I had forgotten that Luther's kind are capable of acting subtlety when the occasion calls for it."

"You think the boy may be a threat?" Asked Snape with an unreadable expression.

"The truth is Severus that I do not know and now we are limited in our means of finding out. Because of the Oath Harry was made to swear we have no means to find out from him what happened during his imprisonment. There is no way to tell what was done to him or if he is being influenced in any way. It does not help that Luther's involvement in these events remain a mystery. We still do not know why he was there that night or why he saved Harry or what his future plans may be, if they even exist."

"So what shall we do?"

"The only thing we can do. Watch Harry, try and notice any changes in his behaviour without making him aware of our scrutiny. We cannot afford to make Harry feel that he is under any kind of suspicion that our faith in him has been shaken. Not when so much now depends on him."

"But is it, unshaken?" asked Snape mercilessly.

Dumbledore continued to stare upwards and did not reply. That morning he had been worried that Harry would not return to them. Now he was back whole and apparently well, but the relief of his return was already evaporating as new worries of the future emerged.

Some time later Harry was standing in the Gryffindor common room. As he stared about the familiar room with the familiar red and gold banners and comfortable armchairs he found himself feeling strange. For a long time Hogwarts and particularly this tower had been the place that in his heart he considered his home. Privet drive had never been his home, just a place to live. Hogwarts and the Gryffindor tower had been the first place that he really felt he belonged. Where he felt he could relax and just be himself. But as he looked around the familiar room he was surprised to find that he felt it lacking.

Perhaps it was the uncharacteristic quietness and emptiness of the tower. Harry had never before been in the tower when there were no other students in it. But as he turned to look out one of the tower windows he knew that wasn't right. The tower was familiar, it was comfortable, but it no longer held that sense of home.

Harry thought back to the events of the day.

The afternoon had passed surprisingly quickly for Harry. His conversation with Professor McGonagall had gone surprisingly better than he had expected. She had looked disappointed at first but had finally relented and told him that she was proud that he was taking his NEWT level studies so seriously, although she had warned him that she expected to see the additional study time reflected in his academic results!

She had then revealed to him that part of her disappointment was due to the fact that she had intended to make him house Quidditch Captain this year. Something that was sadly now impossible.

Harry had been initially crushed by the lost opportunity, but had realised soon after that it was probably for the best. A captains responsibilities were far greater than a team members. The captain needed not only to organise and book training sessions for the team, but was also involved with the training of team members and developing strategies and tactics for the team itself. To say nothing of gathering information on the other teams and helping to organise the Quidditch matches themselves. It would take up far too much of his free time to say, nothing of the extra time he would need to study, both his academic requirements and his own projects he wanted to research.

He had consoled his head of house by pointing out that with the events of last year at least they had a new members to step up into the team, even considering those that had left at the end of the last year. McGonagall had also asked his thoughts on who should replace him as her choice of Quidditch captain. Harry had thought for a moment but had finally recommended Ron. Quidditch was one of his friends true passions and Harry had a feeling that acting as team captain may allow Ron and opportunity to shine through. McGonagall had been a little sceptical making reference to Ron's performance as a prefect last year but had finally promised to consider it.

After that he had been hustled to the hospital wing and into the tender mercies of Madam Pomfrey. Hedwig had returned to the owlery at this point. She had been reluctant to leave him but the hospital wing had a very strict no animal's policy and it appeared that not even Harry's indomitable owl went against the word of madam Pomfrey.

Said Matron had subjected Harry to a bewildering array of tests and examinations.

He had been forced to remove his robes and shirt, had Pomfrey's wand waved over every part of him. Been forced to ingest a few potions and even had a few strange instruments that he had never seen the Matron use before waved over him.

Pomfrey had paid close attention to his eyes, teeth, neck and nails during the examination but apparently she had found nothing wrong. All through the procedure it was all harry could do to keep a neutral expression on his face. He was terrified that at any moment Poppy would discover the DarkSteel dagger concealed within his arm or find some other evidence of the Bond he now shared with Luther and then all his secrets would be exposed. But the goblins apparently did good work. Pomfrey never even paused over his arm.

However Harry did not completely escape suspicion. As he was donning his shirt and robes he managed to pick up a muffled conversation that, before the benefits from his bond with Luther, he should not ordinarily have been able to hear.

"I don't understand Poppy. You said that there is nothing physically wrong with him?"

"Minerva, there is nothing wrong with him, not a single thing! That is the problem."

"I'm not sure I follow."

"Minerva that boy has been under my care at least once every year he has been at this school. I've treated his immediate injuries but it's been easy to tell that for a long time he has been in far from perfect health. He's always been small and terribly thin from his age. His bone density has been down from what it should be. There were other signs of ill health, small things but obvious if you know how to look for them. That's all changed. He hasn't just grown taller over the summer Minerva, his bone density and muscle mass are much better. His lung capacity is greater, he is almost a perfect picture of health. Now Minerva I am familiar with growth spurts, I'm used to children changing over the summer, but I have never before seen someone go through such a dramatic change."

McGonagall was silent for a long moment.

"You did the test for Lycanthropy and Vampire infections?"

"Yes, yes all those tests came up negative. Whatever caused this change it was not that. At the same time this is clearly Harry Potter the record of his injuries such as the regrown bones in his arm match up exactly. I would just love to know what caused these changes to him."

"So would we all Poppy. It seems that Harry Potter went through many changes over the Summer."

That had sounded ominous but McGonagall had not directly asked him about the changes and Harry had not volunteered anything.

There had also been one final short visit to Dumbledore's office, where the headmaster had informed Harry of Sirius's will, something that Harry was already aware of thanks to Luther's contacts with the Goblins, and where Harry had established that he was the new master of Kreacher and the new owner of No 12 Grimmauld place. The house elf had pitched a fit when it had been summoned into his presence and it had taken all of Harry's self control not to kill the vile little creature right in front of Dumbledore. Fortunately Harry had calmed down and managed to order Kreacher down to the kitchens to work with the other house elves, but not before also ordering the house elf not to reveal any of his secrets or accept orders from anyone but the Hogwarts Staff.

Dumbledore had then informed Harry of what the official story had been regarding his location over the summer. Most of it Harry had already known as Luther had received the daily Prophet and had shared the highlights with him. They had both been greatly amused to learn that Harry was apparently under 'Ministry Protection in a secret location.' Harry remembered the vampire commenting that he would have to start charging the ministry for his services.

In the end he had agreed with Dumbledore that it would be best to keep his story vague when he was inevitably questioned by the rest of the students, although at least he would be able to talk to Ron and Hermione about what little of the truth he was able to reveal under the oath.

Harry had noted that during the meeting Dumbledore had appeared to be his normal slightly eccentric self but that his eyes were lacking the customary twinkle. To his new perceptions they appeared slightly guarded. Although he was expecting that Harry felt slightly disappointed. He had been hoping that things could be as they had been before, at least for a little longer. But inwardly he knew that was a foolish hope. He had changed over the summer, he knew it and accepted those changes. Now he would have to live with them.

Looking out the window of the common room he could see a line of carriages and the Thestrals that drew them making their way up to the castle from the village of Hogsmead. Looks like the Hogwarts express had finally arrived, soon the sorting feast would begin.

Taking a deep breath to centre himself Harry turned and started towards the portrait hole, his steps quickening slightly in eagerness. He had managed to get through his reunion with his teachers. Now it was time for what he was looking forward to. His reunion with his friends.

THE END

FOR NOW

To everyone who has been waiting far too long for this chapter. All I can offer is my apologies. It was never my intention for things to take this long but life has a habit of making a mockery of the best of intentions.

At first I stopped writing partly because of my disgust at how Half Blood Prince and the Deathly Hallows turned out. Looking back both books were great disappointments and my inspiration for Harry Potter suffered after reading them.

At the time I was also suffering from what looking back was an extreme amount of stress at my previous job. I found myself reading more and more fanfiction to escape that stress, as well as falling into the trap that is World of Warcraft and discovering several other fandoms, namely Naruto and Bleach in my efforts at escapism.

Unfortunately while that greatly helped me deal with my job it appears to have struck my muse a nearly mortal blow from which she has only recently recovered. Sadly I cannot promise you that I will now be updating regularly, but I can promise that I will try and that I will now attempt to complete this story. Given that I had been working on this chapter for the last 3 years I should be able to confidently state that the next update will be quicker. But perhaps it's best not to tempt much in the way of action happened in this chapter but this and the next few are mainly intended to show just how much his time with Luther has changed Harry, and for him to realise he no longer fits in. I actually had some more scenes that I intended to include in this chapter, but it was already around 15,000 words long and I thought that a good place to stop rather than rushing through the scenes in order to get it finished.

Notes:

(1) Many people may find it beyond the point of willing suspension of disbelief that Fudge remains in Power. To that I can only say that if Dumbledore continued to support Fudge after all he had done in books 1 to 5 why should now be any different? Also I will admit that a future event I have planned in the story that is essential for the plot requires Fudges own special brand of incompetence so he needs to be around for a little longer at least.

(2) Totally making this up as a plot device but to me it makes a kind of sense. As the previous teacher Snape should have had some say as to what students get accepted. Also I am of the belief that Snape has to have some real skill at potions. Dumbledore can't have gotten him the position at Hogwarts just on his powers as Headmaster. So in this world Snape is a very senior member of the Potion Masters Guild. More senior than Slughorn who may have the natural talent but lacks Snape's drive and focus. Slughorn always appeared to want an easy path and was more content to move up through his connections with others. Credit where credit is due Snape's a bastard but he has fought for what he has achieved, at least in my story.

(3) I see no reason why Dumbledore needed Harry to convince Slughorn to return to Hogwarts. Manipulative old coot that we know him to be I am certain that he would have been perfectly capable of convincing Slughorn himself.

(4) Some people may consider Harry willing to give up quidditch without a struggle to be extremely OOC. That is the intention. This scene is designed to give a clear indication that right from his return to Hogwarts something is fundamentally different about Harry. He is not the same person he once was. Harry will continue to become more and more OOC it's that kind of story.